ABSTRACT
Remote operation is an extremely convenient requirement for astrophotography. A number of astrophotographers have searched for a reliable wireless system, concentrating their search on WiFi-based USB hubs. This chapter looks at the implementation of a control hub, using one of the recent Intel Next Unit of computing series of PCs. These are fully functional computers that can operate Windows or Mac OS, are approximately 4-inches square and consume less than 10 watts at 12 volts. The objective is to have the NUC connected to power and USB peripherals at the mount. It is powered up with its power button and then operated remotely, either via a home network, cable or a direct connection, using microsoft remote desktop. The MacBook auto-detects the connections and can works with an ordinary patch cable. The cable connection is faster, most notably during image updates on screen, and is less susceptible to interference from other users.
